Got a tip about the Orange Bowl having its introductory press conference at the Hard Rock. I guess I should’ve been better prepared. I got one 8×10 of Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh walked by me at a little after 4 p.m. and signed an 8×10 of him under center while at the University of Michigan. It’s one of the best graphs I’ve seen all year. I had a photo printed for Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer but it came out too grainy so I didn’t even get it signed. I was the only grapher in attendance as Beamer stood literally five feet from me for more than 20 minutes. Not to fret as I will have many other chances to get both coaches on much better items.

A 16-year veteran, Norman enjoyed a long and healthy professional baseball career. Playing for 7 different teams during that time, Norman amassed a record of 104-103 while also collecting 8 saves. Used primarily as a starting pitcher throughout most of his career, Norman also found himself in the bullpen when his team needed middle and long relief. He has a career ERA of 3.64 and a strikeouts per 9 innings ratio of 6.0.

Norman played for the Reds for 7 seven seasons, his longest tenure with any team. From 1973-1979, Norman was a full-time starter for the Reds and he reached double-digits in victories in each of those years. During his time in Cincy, Norman went 85-64.

Fred Norman was a member of both Reds championship teams in 1975 and 1976.